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Diabetes and Alcohol

Diabetes and alcohol
Diabetes and alcohol

Alcohol is an extremely prevalent part of our society, whether you have diabetes or not. The majority of people enjoy a drink of alcohol and there is no reason why people with diabetes should feel any different.

Whether it is a pint in the pub or a glass of wine with a meal, there is no need for people with diabetes to give up alcohol simply because of their condition. There are alcohol substitutes for those who abstain.

In fact, diabetes alcohol guidelines are the same as for the general population.

What are the recommended alcohol guidelines for people with diabetes?

The guidelines are two units for women and three units for men. However, it is worth being aware how many units a drink contains. In some cases, a glass of wine will constitute two units, and a pint of beer can even reach three units.

How much alcohol do drinks usually contain?

If you have diabetes and are wondering how much alcohol you should drink, it is worth reading the following list to see how much alcohol is contained in each type of drink.

One unit (approximate measure):

  • 1/2 pint of standard strength beer, lager or cider
  • 1 pub shot/optic/measure (50ml) of sherry or vermouth
  • 1 pub shot/optic/measure of spirit (25 ml), eg gin, vodka or whisky.

So if I have diabetes I can drink as usual?

Not quite. People with diabetes need to be extra careful with alcohol. Alcohol significantly increases the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). If your diabetes is already well under control, a moderate amount of alcohol may be fine either before, during or soon after a meal.

Even if you have a drink, this may not influence short-term blood glucose levels. However, there are some precautions to be taken care of.

What do I need to be careful of when it comes to diabetes and alcohol?

Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, as this will quickly increase the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. Also avoid binge-drinking or sustained drinking, and never substitute alcohol for your meals. All of this can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Is drinking alcohol with diabetes dangerous?

Drinking lots of alcohol is dangerous for anyone. However, with larger amounts of alcohol, serious hypoglycaemia can occur. Some sources (including Diabetes UK) advise strict carbohydrate management, perhaps even chips or pizza, if a large amount of alcohol has been consumed.

However, avoiding alcohol in large quantities is the best recourse.

Will I have a hypo whilst drunk?

The symptoms of drunkenness can be very similar to a hypo, which can lead to very dangerous confusion.

Furthermore, if you have been drinking heavily, there may be a risk of hypos for up to 16 hours (or even more) after you have stopped drinking.

Monitoring blood glucose levels closely is an essential part of managing your diabetes in this situation.

What other dangers does alcohol pose for people with diabetes?

Drinking alcohol in high quantities regularly can cause an increase in blood pressure. Furthermore, alcoholic drinks contain calories, and therefore can lead to weight gain. Drinking alcohol can exacerbate neuropathy by increasing pain and numbness.

Low carbohydrate and low-alcohol drinks may be better than standard alcohol, but the dangers still need to be considered.  Often alcohol is mixed with fizzy, sugary drinks that can impact on blood sugars.

So should I drink or not?

Drinking moderately in accord with the recommended guidelines, should definitely not be ruled out. Some alcohol, red wine in particular, may even offer health benefits… not that that means you should take up drinking.

Your Comments
 
In accordance with my diabetic book The Diabetic Life by R.D.Lawrence I have been drinking Whisky with water for at least 20 odd years and I have been insulin dependant for 53 years. I have a couple of doubles every night and of cource eat well afterwards, but the book says there is no sugar in spririts. Is this true?
Posted by Stanley J Reed, Fife, Scotland on Tuesday, March 02, 2010
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I drink beer which obviously contains alcohol, but it's also a carbohydrate. I find it makes my blood sugar level zoom up, but then by early morning the alcohol seems to kick in making it potentially low. As other people have said it is important that you have a good meal before drinking. I can have 3-4 pints with no problems on a full meal.
Posted by peter webber, Glos on Wednesday, February 03, 2010
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I'm 21, been type 1 diabetic since I was 3. I'm in my final year of uni and have drunk to excess many times, especially on nights out with my friends. I've always made sure that before I even go home, I get chips from the chippy to balance my blood sugars out, then drink 2 glasses of water when I get home. This gets two results: 1 - I don't go hypo and 2 - I don't have a hangover! Although drinking too much is bad for you, I believe completely that you should learn what your limit is. Diabetes doesn't limit you, go out and be as normal as everyone else, just make sure you keep an eye on how you feel.
Posted by Krystyna, Cardiff on Tuesday, February 02, 2010
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If you are going to drink then white spirits instead of dark, slimline instead of full fat, Pilsner instead of Lager or at a push Bud or any light beer with less sugar again. Ultimately, cutting down is the way forward - even 1 drink a week.
Posted by Damian McSor;ley, London on Tuesday, February 02, 2010
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It's really interesting reading everyone's comments with regard to alcohol, and it's even more interesting to see how each comments varies greatly to the next. As a Type 1 Diabetic I believe that the guidance to drinking alcohol shouldn't differ from a non diabetic - it is all about drinking in moderation and within your limits. I know myself from my pre-diagnosis days that drinking makes you feel sluggish, tired and makes you put weight on and the same consequences apply now....it's just about recognising and managing the highs (from sugary drinks and beer) and the potential lows at night and the following day and just being a bit sensible (well, I try). Being diabetic should never stop you doing anything...it's just about being organised!
Posted by Claire, Alnwick, Northumberland on Tuesday, February 02, 2010
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I like my drink but realised in the new year I need to lose weight, as I certainly drink to excess. But I cannot find a really nice drink to quench my thirst. I look for sugar free drinks, but would like to know what other offers are out there. I am type 2.
Posted by Diana Lambley, Surrey on Saturday, January 02, 2010
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For a few years now I have substituted my preferred beer with a non or low alcohol content beer, and have varied the flavours, trying Kalibar, Bavaria, Cobra, Beck's, Blue etc. On none of the containers though, do I find any reference to sugar content. Might make our nights out at the pub a pleasure!
Posted by Caro, Somerset on Monday, December 28, 2009
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I recently drank with new friends from work and drank too much! I can't remember much about the evening after a certain point. I had run out the pills for my diabetes and thought never mind I will do that next week - what a fool I was. Was ill for over a week and totally paraniod about the night for weeks as had a total black out for over 24 hrs! Won't be doing that again in a hurry - did not totally binge but was not happy of how I felt about me. Be warned.
Posted by karen purnell, Bristol on Friday, December 18, 2009
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OMG! I guess I'm a lucky one then? I've been drinking for nearly 3 weeks now and feel the safest I have since diagnosis! My blood sugar is running high - fair enough, but better than low costantly.
Posted by david, inverness on Monday, December 14, 2009
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I have been reading about drinking and taking insulin and I am shocked at the way people are saying it is dangerous to do this. I have been injecting insulin since 9 years of age and am now 36. I go out drinking when I get the chance and never have problems with hypos. I have a good meal before going out and something to eat again when I come home. People may say you need to test blood levels while you are out but this is not practical. You need to test when you get home and never go to bed without eating or drinking something, being diabetic is serious but it has never stopped me living a normal life.
Posted by martin andrew holroyd, england on Saturday, December 12, 2009
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What about so called friends who get a kick out of putting an extra drink in your drink! That happened to me recently and it's put me off being sociable. I was lucky as I just got a hangover and upset stomach. You just can't tell some people can you? My friends all knew I was diabetic and was taking tablets for other conditions.
Posted by karen biddiss, weymouth on Friday, December 11, 2009
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I would like to point out that although what you say all seems to fall in line with the Govennment guidelines on drinking, in the 25 years of my personal experiance as a type 1 diabetic they do not really appear true. Alcohol may contribute to hypos, but in most alcoholic drinks, whether they be beer, shorts, wine or ciders - there is an awfully high amount of sugar. The hypos may come later but very high blood sugars occur within minutes of some drinks.
Posted by Nicholas Smith, Crewe, Cheshire. on Friday, December 11, 2009
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If we all followed every rule and guideline we would all be locked up. We have to work out what we can and what we can't tolerate sometimes, and as long as we eat before and after drinking. I drink lager, but have been told by so called professionals that I would be better drinking spirits with a Diet Coke mixer - but to me this causes more hypos.
Posted by Tam, Notts on Thursday, December 10, 2009
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I think that it is up to the individual how much alcohol they consume. As a type 1 diabetic I have found that it is best to limit alcohol intake. I used to drink beer most nights, but found that it completely screwed up my blood sugar, and also found that it took several days before I felt normal again (if you call diabetes normal). I now only drink an odd glass of wine with a meal and feel a lot better for it, I also lost lost weight nearly 2Kgs, and my blood sugars have improved, so the consultant is impressed.
Posted by Multitasker, Nottinghamshire on Thursday, December 10, 2009
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I think that beer is definitely something we should stay away from as diabetics - although it's hard to stay away from the pale ale! I find Vodka and Diet Cokes don't let my blood sugar levels stray to much - so I stick to that. I've been drinking it since I was 27 and I'm now 35, and so far, so good (touch wood). My advice would be drink in moderation - like most people's would be!
Posted by Penny, Argyll on Thursday, December 10, 2009
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